Holcim Ltd. (HOLN:Virt-x)

Holcim Ltd. announced earnings results for the nine months of 2009. The company reported nine-month profits tumbled 31% amid a construction slump in Europe, but was optimistic for prospects in North American and emerging markets. For the period, the company reported net profit attributable to shareholders fell year-on-year to CHF 1.2 billion (EUR 794 million, USD 1.2 million) and that the downturn primarily reflects the poor business development in Europe. The company expected to return to modest growth in the second half of 2010 on the back of the stimulus programmes. Emerging markets in Latin America, Africa, Middle East and Asia Pacific are also expected to show more positive developments.

Holcim Ltd. reported earnings results for the first nine months ended September 2009. For the period, the company reported net profit including minority interests was CHF 1.577 billion compared with CHF 2.107 billion in the corresponding period of 2008. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) decreased by 17.2% to CHF 3.614 billion. Net revenue fell by 18.4% to CHF 15.774 billion.

Holcim Ltd. reported earnings results for the third quarter of 2009. For the quarter, net profit was CHF 673 million, equaling results for the same period last year. Sales fell over 17% to CHF 5.69 billion from CHF 6.91 billion during the third quarter 2008. However, cost cuts helped drive cash flow up almost 40% to CHF 1.39 billion from just under CHF 1 billion last year. The company also benefited from the sale of CHF 61 million worth of carbon emissions certificates in Europe.